By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The KHNAM on Saturday blamed lack of participation of Khasi voters, numbering over 5000 from Shillong North Constituency on the polling day for the defeat of KHNAM candidate Adelbert Nongrum which eventually led to the victory of Congress candidate, Roshan Warjri.
“Around 5000 Khasi voters did not turn up on the polling day which reflects the sense of irresponsibility and lack of concern of the people to let their rights entrusted upon them by the Indian constitution”, Nongrum said at a press conference on Saturday.
Nongrum who lost to Roshan Warjri (INC) by a margin of 2180 said that they will approach the State government and the Election Commission of India to accept their proposal to ensure all the eligible voters exercises their franchise during elections.
Admitting that the non-tribal votes decided the fate of the candidate from this constituency, Nongrum said the out of the 8000 non-tribal voters, only 1000 voted for the party. “We failed to make the genuine non-tribals residing in the city to be aware of the principles and stance of the KHNAM”, Nongrum said.
He also added that their party was not against non-tribals, but rather “KHNAM is an anti-influx party”.
Extending his gratitude to all the voters who voted for him on February 23 last, the KHNAM leader said his party will survive despite many ups and downs.
“Our party is not only a political party but it is also a political movement and we will still fight for the issues which threatens our survival”, Nongrum added.
When asked whether money was the main reason behind his defeat, Nongrum said that though, it did played its part, yet money power did not decide the victory of Warjri in a constituency like Shillong North as majority of the voters here are literate and cannot be fooled.
Stating that the party didn’t compromise its identity to gather votes from the non-tribals, KHNAM vice president Batkupar Wahlang said “We stood by our principles all along and we will continue to stand firm no matter what as our ideologies aren’t anti-non tribals and we hope that with time, they (non tribals) will understand and fight against influx alongside the party.”
Highlighting the party’s firmness to fight against many issues relating to influx, Wahlang urged the local NGOs and other light minded parties to join the cause and resolve this issue by pressurizing for a cut-off year starting from 1971 and implementation of the Inner Line Permit in full spirit.
Wahlang also said that the party will continue to strengthen its action plans and will be all geared up and well-prepared for the next elections.
KHNAM also extended its best wishes to the new congress-led government while hoping that it will execute its power wisely as per its promises in order to bring about development in all spheres and be able to fulfill the promises that it made.
Meanwhile, the party has also extended its best wishes to the youth of the state who will be appearing for their various board and university examinations this year.
